Aduhelm: What We’re Reading
You may have read about Aduhelm, which is the new Alzheimer’s Drug that was approved by the FDA this week. You can do a Google search for the word “Aduhelm” and see all sorts of news articles and current opinions. It seems everyone has an opinion on this topic – this edition contains mine.
This new drug which apparently helps reduce amyloid in the brain has critics. Aduhelm apparently will be very expensive -I’ve seen quotes of up to $56,000 per year. However, the pivotal question seems to be whether this drug actually makes a difference in the progression of the disease itself? Some say that there is no evidence that this new drug actually works.
Yesterday, the Wall St. Journal reported that Harvard Medical School professor Aaron Kesselheim resigned from the FDA Advisory Committee and called the decision to approve Aduhelm a “debacle”. Once again, if you are interested in looking at this deeper, a quick Google search of ‘Aaron Kesselheim’ will take you to recent articles about this doctor’s opinion about the approval process.
My Non-Medical Opinion on Aduhelm
Will Aduhelm actually make a difference? Who knows? But after decades of witnessing many clients who have suffered the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s we as a society are more than ready for a breakthrough. Many of the medical labs in this country have been digging for such a breakthrough drug for a long time with little to show for their efforts. Will this drug make a difference? Did the FDA just “throw a bone” to the medical researchers for their efforts” by approving this drug? Was Dr. Kesselheim correct in his criticism that the FDA acted too quickly based on insufficient research? These are all good questions that will only be determined by the passage of time.
This is a very complex disease that has had medical science stumped for years. I’m hopeful that Aduhelm does make a difference – even a little difference. Any of us are subject to the ravages of this dreaded disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association one in three Seniors die from Alzheimer’s or other dementia. We are ready for a breakthrough – even a little one! We wish the researchers the best. In the meantime, eat your broccoli!
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Ok. That might come off a little fast, considering we barely know each other. However, we fully understand the stress and turmoil that you are facing as Family Caregiver – including personal experiences with burnout.
In our time as caregivers, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge that we desire to pass on. Likewise, we have met many professional caregivers, as well as other family members who were thrust as Family Caregiver. All caregivers have shared the same advice – Join a community! There is nothing more cleansing for our situation than knowing that we are not alone!
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Being an Adult Kid who is helping mom as she is declining can be a scary, frustrating and lonely place lacking stability. You feel like you are solely responsible for solving Mom’s problems while managing yours. Some occasional input and a community to plug into would help, especially when facing burnout! This is a way that all of us can be working together as caregivers!
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Thank You for being a Caregiver for Your Loved One – you are making a huge difference in their life!
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